novel coronavirus

[ nov-uhl kuh-roh-nuh-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a coronavirus that has not previously been detected or reported: : nCoV

   the public health threat of novel coronaviruses such as COVID-19.

Word History and Origins

Origin of novel coronavirus¹

First recorded in 1985–90; applied to SARS ( def )

Example Sentences

COVID-19 is a "novel coronavirus," which means it’s a new disease unfamiliar to scientists and doctors.

From National Geographic Kids

COVID-19 is a "novel coronavirus," which means it’s a new disease unfamiliar to scientists and doctors.

From National Geographic Kids

A close analysis of Wuhan’s earliest COVID-19 cases points to a live-animal market as the most likely source of the novel coronavirus, a study argues.

From Los Angeles Times

This is no longer the “novel” coronavirus that once terrified people because of how unpredictable it is.

From Salon

This is no longer the “novel” coronavirus that once terrified people with its unpredictability.

From Salon